G+ unveiled new platform changes on March 6th that are aimed at making profiles more visual with bigger photos and increasing the relevance of search results through local reviews. Key changes include bigger profile and cover photos, a local reviews tab, and Google Sign-in for a trusted authentication method across Google products and third party websites. The document provides recommendations for brands to optimize their G+ presence, such as using large, high quality cover photos and encouraging local reviews.

1. G+ Redesign:
Implications for Brands
March 12th, 2013

2. Context
>G+ unveiled new platform changes March 6th What this document covers:
>Changes are not significant but show that Google still >Bigger profile and cover photos for more visual impact.
believes in its G+ project >Local Reviews to increase pertinence of search results.
>Google Sign-in for a trusted authentication.
>This document presents the new features and >Next Steps
proposes recommendations to help optimize a G+
account
2

3. Bigger profile and cover photos for more
visual impact.
What’s new
>Profile photo now in a circle frame
>Huge cover photo
Recommendations
>Update profile picture to fit the circle frame
>Use a cover photo 2120 pixels by 1192 pixels
>Keep in mind critical photo areas where text
overlays will be displayed (white background,
grey shade and white text in the photo)
3

4. Local Reviews to increase value and
pertinence of search results.
What’s new
>A tab for local reviews (restaurants, hotels, etc.) is
now added by default to profiles
>Reviews by Google users or friends will influence
search results
Recommendations
>If your brand doesn’t make local reviews,
uncheck this tab in the account settings to
remove it from the profile
>Incite users to review of your brand’s locations
4

5. Google Sign-in for a trusted authentication.
What’s new
>Google replicated the Facebook Connect
functionality allowing users to sign-in everywhere
with their Google account
>Offers synergy with all Google products (Gmail,
Google calendar, etc.)
>When signed-in, content can be dynamically
showcased according to your profile and your
friends’ information
Recommendations
>Simplify user login and authentication by offering
Google sign-in as an option on websites
5

6. Thank you
Jean-François Deschamps
Digital Strategist
@JFrDeschamps
jean-francois.deschamps@dentsubos.com
References
> https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SaraMcKinley/posts/JCvsy7x7iQs
> http://mashable.com/2013/03/06/google-plus-redesign-look/
@DentsuBos > http://visual.ly/google-rolls-out-design-changes
> http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57571255-93/google-switches-on-google-sign-ins-
in-app-posting/
www.dentsubos.com
6